LTC 012-2004 Weekly Update - Week of Jan 5, 2004
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 012-2004
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From:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~ __ ~
City Manager cJ U
WEEKLY UPDATE
Date: January 14, 2004
To:
Subject:
The purpose of this LTC is to provide the Mayor and Commission with an update
describing some of the areas the administration focused on during the week of January 5,
2004:
Neighborhood Leadership Academy - The fourth Neighborhood Leadership Academy
class completed their course on December 15, 2003. The group had been meeting since
September 22 and spent 12 weeks together hearing from a total of 12 City Departments in
an effort to become more knowledgeable members of our diverse community. The
graduation ceremony has been scheduled for the February 4, 2004 City Commission
meeting.
On-line Permitting -I met with staff from the Building and IT Departments to continue our
discussion regarding exploring alternative methods to expedite implementation of software
to enable online permitting for the City's development functions. The City is in the process
of purchasing the software called "Velocity Hall" which would enable the Building
Department to provide online permitting intended for issuance oftrade permits (Plumbing,
Electrical and Mechanical) that have master permits. The IT Department is in the process
of procuring and implementing this program with a target launch date of April 1 , 2004.
South Pointe - I attended a meeting on January 6 with several South Pointe area
residents regarding the possible formation of a neighborhood association which will work to
protect the residential character of the area. Residents' concerns include the continuing
growth of commercial and entertainment businesses in South Pointe which result in
continued noise, traffic, parking, sanitation, crime and general quality of life problems. The
residents proposed further zoning amendments. Commissioner Gross attended a portion
of the meeting. The Administration is supportive of the residents' concerns and suggested
an association be formed with various committees for issues such as parking, zoning,
quality of life, etc.
Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) - On January 6, representatives from the
Administration presented to the BAC a summary of the discussion held at the last
Executive Session regarding negotiations with the Unions. Union presidents and
representatives were invited and given the opportunity to hear the presentation. The BAC
recommended that whatever course of action is taken, that the City remain fiscally
responsible and sound with the ongoing negotiations.
Portotino Mediation - Staff from the Legal Department and Administration met with the
Honorable Judge Edward Davis on January 7 regarding the Portofino mediation. An
update regarding this item will be provided to each of you at the Executive Session
scheduled for January 14, 2004.
Nightlife Industry Task Force (NITE) - Staff and I met with a subcommittee ofthe NITE
on January 7 to discuss and explore several options regarding litter. Among the items
discussed were expanding the voluntary compliance of litter control for businesses in the
entertainment district, the City undertaking a campaign to get the word out about litter
control, and expanding enforcement of the litter ordinance. The Administration will
continue to explore these possibilities to make a final recommendation.
Employee Awards and Recognition Celebration - On January 7, the City held its annual
Employee Awards and Recognition Celebration at the Jackie Gleason Theater of the
Performing Arts. Over 200 employees and their guests were in attendance to salute and
recognize employees who had received awards in several areas, including Customer
Service Excellence Awards, Employee of the Month "At Your Service Awards", and the City
Awards presented by the Personnel Board. Employees who are celebrating an anniversary
this year also received their 5, 10, 15,20,25 and 30 year service pins. An employee talent
show was also part of the program.
City Commission Workshop - Was held on January 8 to update the City Commission on
issues relating to the state of cultural affairs on Miami Beach and the strategic planning
efforts the Administration is undertaking in order to further elevate the City's cultural status
and initiatives.
Organizational Development - As part of the City's on-going leadership and
organizational development efforts, a one day workshop on leadership, diversity and
customer service was held on January 9. This workshop was facilitated by nationally
recognized experts in leadership and diversity from Franklin Covey, a well-known national
organization whose mission is to foster leadership development. Topics covered included:
developing professional and personal leadership, principles of customer service and why
they are important, building high performance teams, principles of diversity and why they
are important, valuing the differences in others, communication skills, and general
leadership topics.
Julia Tuttle Lighting Project - On January 9, staff and I met with a representative from
the Turchin Companies regarding conceptual designs for decorative lighting on the Julia
Tuttle Causeway. The Turchin Companies will next meet with representatives from the
Florida Department of Transportation to try to gain their support for the project.
Parking Department - As part of this department's ongoing leadership development, a
training session was held for all employees at all levels of the department. These training
sessions were conducted over the weekend and focused on providing outstanding
customer service and sensitivity and diversity training.
JMG\ri
Electronic Copy: Leadership Team
F:CMGRlALLIL TC04/Weekly Update/January 12.doc